WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA

Entertainment
Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech Castle, Coleg Harlech and other venues in the town stage many ethnic and diverse arts, events from the Ardudwy Male Voice Choir (Côr Meibion Ardudwy) Harlech Silver Band, Harlech Proms, International Visual Arts, Plays and the new emerging young bands - exciting and still underground. Information for 'What's On' - in theatr Ardudwy and on the Town Notice Board.

Walking
The countryside is wild, yet it has many ancient Drover's Roads and tracks that walkers and families can plan for gentle round trips or long treks over the mountains into valleys accessible only to those on foot. Harlech's impressive backdrop is the Rhinog Mountain Range which has some of the most rugged and remote terrain to be found in the British Isles. Two valleys lead up to the Rhinogau. Cwym Bychan - the lake below the Garreg y Saith. Take the path up to the Roman Steps, a medieval track that leads through a pass into Trawsfynydd. The river Artro rushes down from the lake through natural woodland, under old stone bridges until it reaches the sea below Llanbedr.

Cwm Nantcol, the other valley, more open and less wooded, leads up the Pass of Drws Ardudwy. Take tracks off to the many lakes in fantastic settings past old mine levels still vaguely in evidence. Maes y Garnedd, the last farm in the valley, is associated with the English Civil War where Captain John-Jones put his signature to the death warrant of Charles I. The landscape is varied and the careful observer is likely to catch a glimpse of any different wild-life species, the famous wild goats, lizards, badgers, otters near the river, buzzard, merlin, goldfinch, as well as many rare plants and fungi - all evidence that the air is clean and free from industrial pollution.

Plan your walk - locals with real knowledge of the land and its history will always help with direction and you will discover something new. Observe the rules of mountain walking. For information, maps, guidance and advice - Tourist Information Centre or shops in the town.

The Beaches
Gently washed by the prevailing temperate Gulf Stream, the golden sweep of Harlech beach offers safe, sheltered bathing. Explore the rock pools at Llandanwg. Safe bathing but always take notice of any advice given by coast guard notices on beach.

Sailing enthusiasts regularly launch their boats at Llanbedr, Pensarn Yacht Club and Shell Island.

Pony Trekking
Short and long treks with approved guides. Information available at Harlech Tourist Information Centre.

Cycling
Wales has a well signposted network of tracks and routes through the countryside off the main roads. Contact Harlech Tourist Information Centre for further details of the routes connected to the National Cycle Network.

Bird Watching
See the many varied and rare birds in the region including Chough and Merlin. Watch cuckoos in season and many migrants to the tidal regions of the National Reserve of Morfa Harlech.

Eating Out
One of the pleasures of a visit to Harlech. There are plenty of quality restaurants to suit all tastes.

Fishing
Fish for trout in the many lakes in the mountains above Harlech. River fishing - excellent sea trout when the conditions are right in the Artro river in Llanbedr. Sea fishing off the beaches for bass. Licences and information from Harlech Post Office.

Golf
Golfers are well catered for at the Royal St David's Golf Club. It is considered the premier links course in North Wales.